Should I go 3/2 or 4/2 rental in North San Antonio

Question

I’m considering purchasing a rental property in Northern San Antonio.

The options are:

- Three bed, two bath

- Four bed, two bath

The property is near a nice high school.

- Three bed, two bath rents: $2000/month

- Four bed, two bath rents: $2400/month  (according to rentometer)

I’m wondering if renting out a four bed, two bath is more challenging than a three bed, two bath in San Antonio.

Anyone with experience in this area, please recommend.

The price difference is small, so I’m debating whether the extra square footage and rent justify the additional effort or if sticking with a three bed, two bath is simpler. Both essentially meet the 1% rule

Daniel Barba · Answer

Hey Jack,

I've helped plenty of clients of mine buy 3/2's & 4/2's in the Northside of San Antonio. For only a $15k difference in price, I'd definitely go with the 4/2 option, especially given the additional $400 in rent that you'd receive. If your concern with the 4/2 is the tenant pool, then I wouldn't worry about that so much. San Antonio in general has a higher average family size than most cities, making it easier for you to find a family for your 4/2.

I'd love to chat some more & see if I have any inventory that matches the numbers you're looking for.

Sherylyn Holden · Answer

Hi Jack! I have multiple Airbnbs in the North and Northwest side of San Antonio, and these are probably my best performing properties. It's a great location! In my experience, I tend to say the more bedrooms, the better! Simply because you can charge more, which usually isn't an issue for guests as they are splitting the costs amongst friends or family members. Please reach out if you'd like more info! I'm happy to share real data on my properties. Congrats on your upcoming investment!

Justin Brickman · Answer

I have 5 midterm rentals in San Antonio on the northside. Renting out a 4 bed will be easier since most rentals are 3 bed and you will have less competition

Wale Lawal · Answer

@Jack Walker

In Northern San Antonio, both 3-bed and 4-bed homes can rent well, especially near a good high school. The 4-bed unit offers $400 more per month in rent, which can improve cash flow, but may have a smaller tenant pool since larger families or roommates typically rent these. The 3-bed is easier to rent and resell, making it a safer long-term play, while the 4-bed could provide better returns if vacancy risks are low. If the price difference is small and demand supports it, the 4-bed could be worth it—but check actual rental comps, not just Rentometer. If you need further help, DM me, and I'll point you in the right direction!

Good luck!

Lisa Choi · Answer

Hey Jack!

I’m a native San Antonio real estate agent specializing in investment properties, and I’d love to connect!

In my experience, both three-bed, two-bath and four-bed, two-bath homes rent well in Northern San Antonio, especially near good schools. A four-bed might take slightly longer to rent since it appeals more to larger families, but with the right marketing, it shouldn’t be a major challenge—especially if the price difference is minimal and it still meets the 1% rule.

The extra square footage can help with long-term tenant retention, as larger families or those working from home often seek more space. It could also future-proof your investment, as demand for larger homes may continue growing. However, if you prefer quicker turnovers and a larger tenant pool, a three-bed might be the simpler choice.

Happy to chat more if you’d like—feel free to reach out!

Best,

Lisa Choi

Sherylyn Holden · Answer

The monthly payment difference would be something like $100. I'd go with the bigger property!

Jack Walker · Answer

They are 215k and 230k respectively. It’s actually north of Cibolo almost to New Braunfels. Near Steele highschool. They are both in the same neighborhood.

Jay Hurst · Answer

which on is in the better neighborhood with better schools etc?

Rick Pozos · Answer

If everything is the same, I would go with the cheaper one, 3/2. Less payment if it stays vacant a while. Both 1% so you are purchasing for about 220k or 260K?? Those are pretty decent numbers.

Remember property taxes get re-evaluated every year and can go up every year AND they are kinda high relative to other states.

Neighborhoods matter. Make sure you do more research than Rentometer.

Should I go 3/2 or 4/2 rental in North San Antonio

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